With the Help of Friends

“In friendship…we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years’ difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another…the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting–any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends, “Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.”― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

It is a very cold and blustery day here in the hill country of Texas. It is a good day for thinking about things. It’s days like today when I miss my friends who are now scattered near and far. I am so grateful for each special and unique person who is part of my little circle of friends–the precious new mixed in with the beloved old.

My photo today is borrowed from my friend, Jane “Olson” Fredberg. Thank you, Jane, for being one of those souls who has been part of my life since junior high. We were classmates, sharing our common history of the loss of our mothers at an early age, followed by sharing your own cancer survival story when we were neighbors and I was one of those healthcare workers who were part of your journey. Thank you for allowing me to share your Minnesota sunset and for being one of my beloved old friends.

I am blessed to have many friends who take their time to read and support me as I learn and grow as a writer/author. The mere thought of putting my words out there paralyzed me for a very long time. It is your encouragement that helps guide and stokes my hesitant passion. Thank you. I am grateful to you all every single day.

“A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche